SAILING to a new world THEN and NOW ~

It is with tongue in cheek that I write today's blog. I received an elegant cruise advertisement sponsored by the William & Mary Alumni Association in yesterday's mail and I was struck dumb by the vast difference between the SS ORTERIC sailing in 1911 and the SS REGATTA in 2012. Just for fun, here is what may have been written then versus now. (smile)

THE AMBIANCE of the REGATTA, 2012

The moment you step aboard, you will feel warmly welcomed by an ambiance of effortless elegance, casual days at sea, and impeccable attention to detail. The ship's decor will delight, lavished with rich, dark woods, plush fabrics, intriguing artwork, and an abundance of fresh flowers. The streamlined size of the REGATTA allows for an intimate, convivial atmosphere and highly personalized service. On this ship, you will experience the pinnacle of luxury cruising. With the perfect ratio of staff to guests, you will find all your needs and whims catered to. The exceptional service aboard this ship will almost magically anticipate your needs, elevating your entire cruising experience. On the REGATTA, it will be a voyage like no other.

THE AMBIANCE of the ORTERIC, 1911

The moment you step aboard, you may feel stifled, cramped and fearful due to this undoubtedly being your virgin sailing experience but never fear. You will be welcomed by an ambiance of Portuguese and Spanish immigrants who may sometimes pull your hair or bite you; while others may flirt outrageously. You will enjoy forty-eight mind-tingling days at sea where you will feel the ship rock and swish through storms and high waves at sea and at times, just a lack of particular attention to detail. The ship's decor will stun you; our employees will be sure to pour hot tar over the planks of dull wood to cover any vomit, poop and other nasties so you can walk on the deck more easily after it is also strewn with sawdust. The cloying smell only lasts a few days. The amazing and diverse fabrics of many immigrants will hang artfully from bunk beds with straight wooden edges and everyone will wish flowers filled the area to ease the smell of so many bodies pushed into their dank quarters. The streamlined size of the ORTERIC allows for a disorganized, but sometimes convivial atmosphere and highly personalized immigrant-volunteer service. On this ship, you will experience the pinnacle of immigrant cruising. With the unbalanced ratio of staff to "guests" we appreciate the working volunteers as it will make the passing of time go more swiftly. We offer special prayers for any and all unfortunate passengers requiring burial at sea. Each day, I am sure everyone will be inspired by the musical ability of the passengers and we look forward to anticipating your needs. Although it could never give you all the comforts of home, your personal spot in steerage will be your private oasis. On the ORTERIC, it will be a voyage like no other.